Government at a Glance provides readers with a dashboard of key indicators assembled with the goal of contributing to the analysis and international comparison of public sector performance. Indicators on government revenues, expenditures, and employment are provided alongside key output and outcome data in the sectors of education, health and justice. Government at a Glance also includes indicators on key governance and public management issues, such as transparency in governance, regulatory governance, public procurement and the implementation of employment and remuneration reforms since 2009. While measuring government performance has long been recognized as playing an important role in increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the public administration, following the economic crisis and fiscal tightening in many member countries, good indicators are needed more than ever to help governments make informed decisions regarding tough choices and help restore confidence in government institutions.

Regulatory policy refers to the set of rules, procedures and institutions introduced by government for the express purpose of developing, administering and reviewing regulation (both primary and subordinate). OECD member countries have acknowledged the critical importance of regulatory policy and made substancial efforts to ensure that regulations are of high quality and fit-for-purpose. The financial and economic crisis of 2008 has reinforced the need and highlighted the importance of a well-functioning regulatory framework for transparent and efficient markets with the right incentives. Fair, transparent and clear regulatory frameworks serve also as a sine qua non basic condition for dealing effectively with environmental and social challenges in a society. Good regulatory practices and institutions can also help address global challenges and harness globalisation through more coherent and shared rules.